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Planning and Zoning FAQ’s
1) Where can I find out additional information about submittal procedures and requirements?
Please consult our development procedures page. Development plan checklists
2) When is the next submittal deadline for rezonings and special use permits? Cases that require approval by the Development Review Committee?
Please consult the Planning calendar for deadlines and meeting dates.
3) I submitted a site plan or subdivision a few weeks ago. Where can I check on the status of this case?
Visit the CaseTrak page on the County website. CaseTrak enables you to search for development cases in multiple ways (by street name, tax map number, case type or number, and more) and lets you access basic case information, check on the status of review, and view agency comments related to the selected case.
4) I see a red sign posted in front of a property. Where can I find out what it means?
James City County must advertise and post signs on the property for all rezoning and special use permit applications that will be heard by the Planning Commission. Try to write down the number on the sign or note the road the sign is on or a nearby landmark. Try using CaseTrak to search for the case by street or subdivision name or case number. Alternatively, you can either call the Planning Division to find out additional information or come into the office to view the case file and submitted plans.
5) Where do I find out the zoning of a piece of property?
Visit the Property Information site on the County webpage and search by property address or owner. The zoning code is listed along with other information along the left side of the screen. If there are any problems, please have the property address on hand and call the Planning Division at (757) 253-6685.
6) Where can I learn what the permitted uses are for my property?
Permitted uses are determined by the zoning of your property. Visit the County Code portion of the County webpage to view the section of the Zoning Ordinance that would apply to your property. The requirements for each zoning district are listed in Chapter 24 Article 5 as follows:
- Division 2: A-1 General Agricultural
- Division 3: R-1 Limited Residential
- Division 4: R-2 General Residential
- Division 5: R-4 Residential Planned Community
- Division 6: R-5 Multifamily Residential
- Division 7: R-6 Low-Density Residential
- Division 8: R-8 Rural Residential
- Division 9: LB Limited Business
- Division 10: B-1 General Business
- Division 11: M-1 Limited Business/Industrial
- Division 12: M-2 General Industrial
- Division 13: RT Research and Technology
- Division 14: PUD Planned Unit Development
- Division 15: MU Mixed Use
7) Where can I find out what the setbacks for my property are?
Have the address of the property available and call the Planning Division at (757) 253-6685.
8) Where can I find a plat of my property?
Official survey plats are required as part of the building permit, conceptual plan, site plan, variance, rezoning, special use permit, and master plan application submittal packages. The Planning Division does not keep a copy of the recorded plat on file. If you are unable to obtain a plat from the current property owner (normally produced with property deed or land title) here are several options:
- In some cases, financial institutions require the recordation of a property survey along with the deed upon closing. Check with the James City County-Williamsburg Courthouse at (757) 564-2242.
- If any building permits have been obtained for additions, decks, pools, and/or accessory structures in the last 20 years, our Codes Compliance office can assist you in finding the permit number. The record itself can be pulled from the Records Management Division once you have the permit number.
- If your lot has been subdivided as part of a subdivision, a blanket plat of the entire subdivision can be found in the Records Management Division. Individual plats may be available in the office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court at (757) 564-2242 depending on closing requirements.
9) What maintenance is required of property owners?
Sec. 7-4. Maintenance of premises-Duty of owners, occupants and persons in charge.
It shall be the duty of each owner, occupant and person in charge of any real property in the county to
maintain such property at all times free from any accumulation of garbage, trash, litter, refuse or other waste matter, whether liquid or solid, which might endanger the health or safety of residents of the county or otherwise constitute a nuisance and to provide for the cutting on vacant developed or undeveloped property of grass, weeds and other foreign growth as often as may be necessary to prevent breeding and harboring places for insects, reptiles and rodents and to prevent other hazards to the health or safety of residents of the county or other nuisances.
State law reference - Authority of county to provide for removal of trash, garbage, weeds, etc., Code of Va. §15.2-901.The Zoning Administrator is empowered to enforce violations such as inoperable vehicles, excessive trash, and uncut grass at abandoned houses. To report a violation, please contact the Planning and Zoning Office at (757) 253-6685.
10) Is there a limitation to the number of people that can live in one dwelling unit?
There are no limitations imposed by James City County regarding the number of related persons living in a dwelling unit, however you cannot exceed three unrelated people as stated in the definition of family seen below.
Sec. 24-2. Definitions:
Family - One or more persons related by blood, adoption or marriage living and cooking together as a single housekeeping unit, exclusive of household servants. A number of persons, not exceeding three, living and cooking together as a single housekeeping unit though not related by blood, adoption or marriage shall be deemed to constitute a family.
A family is, exclusive of household servants:
(1) An individual;
(2) Two or more persons related by blood, marriage, adoption or guardianship;
(3) A number of persons, not exceeding three, living and cooking together as a single housekeeping unit though not related by blood, marriage, adoption or guardianship; or
(4) Not, more than two unrelated persons living and cooking together along with two or more persons related by blood, marriage, adoption or guardianship, as a single housekeeping unit.
Should you have further questions regarding this regulation or to report a violation please call the Planning and Zoning Office at (757)253-6685.
11) Can I run a business from my home?
A home occupation must comply with the following conditions:
Any occupation or activity which is clearly incidental and secondary to the use of the premises for dwelling purposes and conducted solely by residents of the dwelling; provided, that:
(1) The occupation or activity is conducted entirely within the dwelling; and
(2) Not more than 25 percent of the first floor area is used throughout the structure for such occupation or activity; and
(3) The occupation or activity requires no external alterations or the use or outdoor storage of machinery or equipment that creates noise, odor, smoke, dust or glare or is dangerous or otherwise detrimental to persons residing in the home or on adjacent property; and
(4) No exterior evidence of the secondary use exists, with the exception of one sign, not to exceed four square feet. Such a sign must be attached to the dwelling and shall not be illuminated; and
(5) No articles are displayed or otherwise offered for sale upon the premises; and
(6) No equipment or process is used that may disrupt neighboring dwellings; and
(7) Traffic is not generated in greater volumes than would normally be expected in a residential neighborhood and any need for parking generated by the conduct of such home occupation shall be met off the street.
A home occupation application must be completed, and approved by Zoning before a business permit is issued. Should you have any questions regarding the conditions listed above please call the Planning and Zoning Office at (757) 253-6685. Any other questions regarding a business permit should be directed to the Commissioner of Revenues’ Office at (757) 253-6695.